Qin Yining had spent another leisurely two days at the mansion. On this day, while playing cards and chatting with the Second Madam in the Old Madam’s quarters, a young maid hurried to the corridor to deliver a message.
“Reporting to the Old Madam, someone from the palace has come to convey His Majesty’s oral decree, summoning Fourth Young Mistress to receive the imperial edict!”
Having stayed by Qin Huaiyuan’s side, the Old Madam had experienced quite a few shocks. Now whenever she heard of His Majesty issuing decrees, her heart would skip a beat and her chest would ache slightly.
The Second Madam, knowing the Old Madam’s condition, quickly helped soothe and comfort her.
Watching from the side, Qin Yining also felt somewhat uncomfortable.
The elderly lady was getting on in years after all. Regardless of whether she had merits or faults in the past, she was ultimately Father’s birth mother and her own grandmother.
The Old Madam said: “Yining child, go quickly and see what palace business this is. Come back and tell me once you know.”
“Yes, Old Madam, please don’t worry. Everything has been peaceful lately—there shouldn’t be any major issues.” Qin Yining smiled reassuringly.
Her expression was gentle and earnest. Seeing it, the Old Madam felt inexplicably more at ease and less anxious.
“Good, good. You’re a clever child who can handle external affairs well. In this regard, I’m at peace.”
Though the Old Madam didn’t like Qin Yining—finding her too clever and hard to control, having embarrassed her several times—overall, Qin Yining’s contributions to the Qin family were substantial. Not to mention distant matters, even Qin Huining and Qin Baoning’s marriage prospects had benefited considerably from the Prince’s mansion’s influence, let alone others.
The Old Madam wasn’t stupid, just too domineering in her approach to people and affairs, with some shortcomings. Now having understood some things, plus her health declining daily, she had restrained much of her competitive and demanding nature. Her attitude became more peaceful, and her perspective much clearer.
Qin Yining was somewhat surprised by the Old Madam’s loving attitude, but didn’t find it too unexpected.
“Old Madam, then your granddaughter will go take a look.” Qin Yining smiled as she rose, bowing to both the Old Madam and Second Madam.
After she left, the Old Madam watched Qin Yining’s retreating figure disappear before sighing softly.
“These times are truly becoming harder and harder to navigate.”
“Indeed.” The Second Madam actually had many worries weighing on her heart, but being thoughtful, she could see the Old Madam wasn’t feeling well. She suppressed her desire to confide and didn’t voice her troubles to burden the Old Madam unnecessarily.
The Old Madam wasn’t as considerate as the Second Madam, only shaking her head until her jade earrings clinked against her cheeks.
“Our whole extended family has weathered great storms together. We who were fortunate enough to survive should work even harder for those family members who died. I see our family’s current situation isn’t any easier than before. This head seems temporarily attached to the neck—who knows when His Majesty might become displeased and we’d all perish.”
“You’re thinking too pessimistically.” Though the Second Madam also worried internally—even secluded in the inner quarters, she could sense how difficult the Qin family’s and Prince Zhongshun’s mansion’s situation was amid the treacherous shifts in court politics.
Though they lacked Qin Yining’s keen political instincts, they could still feel the sense of crisis.
But while thinking this way, the Second Madam couldn’t let the Old Madam become more depressed unnecessarily. She consoled: “Old Madam, please rest assured. Your three sons are all extraordinary men. Think about it—in battle, blood brothers fight together; father and sons charge side by side. With our whole family united like twisted rope, what obstacle can’t we overcome? Moreover, eldest brother is very clever, and both Yining child and the Prince are very clever too.”
Speaking thus, the Second Madam gently massaged the Old Madam’s shoulders, her fair hands moving against the Old Madam’s tea-gold brocade jacket, appearing very pale and delicate.
The Old Madam relaxed comfortably, unable to help closing her eyes.
The Second Madam smiled and continued: “Besides, even if something really happened, so what? Our whole family has already charged through mountains of knives and seas of fire together.”
These words made both think of that terrible massacre in Great Yan.
But the feeling wasn’t pessimistic—rather, it stirred up heroic spirit.
Yes, the men were all working hard and busily. These women folk hiding under the men’s protection, living in comfort, couldn’t help with anything. The only thing they could do was make this home more peaceful and comfortable, without actively stirring up trouble.
This was indeed the only thing the women could currently do for the family.
Qin Yining came to the front courtyard’s main hall, where an unfamiliar eunuch had come to convey the oral decree.
“This servant greets Prince Zhongshun’s consort. May the Princess be well.” The eunuch bowed respectfully.
“This eunuch father, please dispense with ceremony.” Qin Yining’s face bloomed like a flower as she stepped aside to avoid his bow, returning a half-bow with a smile. “Thank you for making this trip, eunuch father. Does His Majesty have some instructions?”
Eunuchs serving in the palace were often ordered about by their masters. Even those of slightly higher status like him experienced big fish eating small fish, small fish eating shrimp—life wasn’t easy, and no one truly respected these castrated men.
But when Qin Yining looked at him, her gaze was frank and honest, without any contempt or disdain, showing genuine respect from the heart. Having seen countless people in the palace, the eunuch could distinguish between sincerity and pretense.
Beautiful women were common in the palace, but those as approachable as Qin Yining were rare.
“Oh my, Princess, you mustn’t do this—you’ll be the death of this servant.” The eunuch bowed solidly to Qin Yining again.
Qin Yining again stepped aside to avoid it, but this time didn’t trouble the eunuch by returning the courtesy. After both sides completed the proper etiquette, the eunuch smiled: “This time I’m conveying His Majesty’s oral decree. His Majesty commands you to enter the palace immediately to accompany Consort Shun.”
Qin Yining was first surprised, then somewhat understood. Princess Tana had gained favor and wanted to bring her nearby to find opportunities to avenge A’na Ri.
Qin Yining’s expression showed no abnormality. Since His Majesty had issued an oral decree, this showed his regard for her. If she showed a dark face, wouldn’t that indicate dissatisfaction with the imperial family?
“Thank you, eunuch father. I’ll prepare immediately. Did His Majesty say when to enter the palace?”
“The Princess is too polite. His Majesty only instructed this servant to come—presumably you should enter the palace today. Consort Shun petitioned His Majesty to select you to accompany her—first because you share a common language, second because you’re familiar with each other, and third, she also wants to learn Great Zhou’s etiquette from you. Princess, this is tremendous honor!”
The eunuch said these words intending to flatter Qin Yining.
While Qin Yining smiled in acceptance, she also saw through the details.
It seemed Princess Tana was indeed relying on her favor to find opportunities to deal with her. Li Qitian was quite permissive, actually secretly allowing Princess Tana to cause trouble for him.
Having made up her mind, Qin Yining instructed Ji Yun and Bingtang: “You two pack up and accompany me to the palace.”
She also instructed Qianyun, Qiu Lu, and Lian Xiaozhou: “You three stay home and watch the house well. Inform my father of this matter.”
“Yes.” The maids responded in unison.
Qin Yining also had servants prepare some food and wine to first entertain the eunuch for a meal. After being polite and saying “excuse me,” she went to prepare her bundles.
Returning to the bedroom, the atmosphere was heavier than usual.
Jingzhe and the others, having received the news, were already waiting outside Qin Yining’s door. Seeing her return, they hurried forward and whispered: “Princess, let us accompany you!”
Hearing this, Qin Yining couldn’t help but laugh: “How would you accompany me? You’re not unaware of palace conditions. No outside men are allowed. Bringing Ji Yun and Bingtang is already exceptional.”
Everyone felt dejected.
What kind of place was the imperial palace?
It was Li Qitian’s residence, Li Qitian’s territory! Qin Yining entering the palace with only two maids to accompany Consort Shun was like a sheep entering a tiger’s den! If anything happened, Li Qitian could arrest Qin Yining as a scapegoat at any time!
If something really went wrong, these people wanting to rescue her would probably be too late.
Everyone was both worried and anxious, like ants on a hot pan.
Qin Yining found it amusing.
“You needn’t be like this. I’m entering the palace openly under imperial decree—my safety on the surface is guaranteed. As for secret schemes, I’ll just be careful. Even if the situation becomes worse, could it be worse than when I was in Tatar territory?”
Seeing Qin Yining smile so relaxedly, everyone couldn’t help but admire her.
If an ordinary woman were forced to go to an enemy’s home as a “hostage,” she’d probably be frightened to tears already. But Qin Yining could face it calmly.
She had already experienced too many storms…
Everyone finally stopped speaking.
While instructing not to pack too many clothes and accessories, Qin Yining told Jingzhe’s group: “Guard the mansion well, especially pay attention to matters around my father, including what happens in court. If there are any abnormalities, record them all. Send a message to the Prince and try to get word to me too.
“As for how I’ll send messages from Consort Shun’s palace, ask my father if he has any methods when the time comes. Of course, unless it’s urgent, messages to me don’t matter—knowing a bit later is fine.
“My only requirement is that you all take care of yourselves and don’t rashly take risks just to deliver messages to me.”
Jingzhe and the others all nodded: “Princess, please rest assured.”
Jingzhe approached Qin Yining and whispered: “Loyalty Earl also said he has people in the palace who could help the Princess. Is Loyalty Earl trustworthy?”
Qin Yining was startled, then shook her head: “Though I have considerable friendship with him, it’s best not to involve outsiders in palace matters. If something really happened, the favor would be too great. If I want to send you messages, I’ll find a way. In any case, you needn’t worry—just take good care of the home.”
“Yes.”
Everyone bowed respectfully.
Qin Yining then took Ji Yun and Bingtang, carrying three small bundles as they went out, ordering servants to prepare the carriage.
The time it took Qin Yining’s group to prepare was exactly one meal’s duration. The eunuch had just finished eating and drinking, currently having tea.
Seeing Qin Yining’s group emerge, he immediately bowed: “Thank you for the meal, Princess.”
“Not at all, eunuch father. You worked hard making this trip. Simple food and tea aren’t worth mentioning—just something to fill the stomach. I’m ready now—we can depart.”
The eunuch immediately nodded with a smile, and everyone walked together toward the mansion gates.